Mental Health and Medical Care Avoidance

COVID-19 is putting unprecedented pressure on the United States’ healthcare system. But believe it or not, the pandemic is also leading some individuals to delay or even avoid necessary treatment.

Why? The answer may be mental health problems. In her Mental Health Minute, Judith Feld, MD, MPH, MMM, DLFAPA (and National Medical Director at Ontrak) discusses a recent paper, “Associations between Anxiety and Depression Symptoms and Medical Care Avoidance during COVID-19.” She explains its findings and discusses the role of psychiatry in ensuring individuals’ health during the pandemic.